American gymnast Simone Biles is set to return to competition at the U.S. Classic outside Chicago in early August, her first event since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, according to the Associated Press.
Biles has taken most of the last two years off after battling the “twisties” which is a gymnastics term pertaining to an athlete having a mental block in mid-air, making it difficult to complete a move. Any gymnast battling this loss of spatial awareness in mid-air can put themselves in harm’s way, making it extremely dangerous for competitors when performing the many difficult maneuvers in the air.
Due to the twisties, Biles had a disappointing Olympic games. She pulled out of several competitions due to the issue, including the team final in which her teammates won the silver medal. Biles was expected to compete in the all-around, vault and floor exercise finals, but instead only competed in the balance beam final, where she won a bronze medal.
The 26-year-old Biles is one of the most decorated gymnasts in U.S. history, winning four gold, one silver and two bronze medals in her Olympic career. She has also captured 19 gold medals in world championship events, three silvers and three bronze medals.
